Thursday, 5 Nov 2020

Written Answers Nos. 26-58

Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme

Questions (26, 345)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

26. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to increase SICAP funding for areas of disadvantage in Dublin. [34156/20]

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

345. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the proposed budget for the social inclusion community activation programme in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34093/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development

I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 345 together.

Under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) my Department provides funding to Local Development Companies as they work locally to tackle poverty and social exclusion.

The SICAP funding allocation across Ireland for 2021 is likely to be the same as 2020, the revised estimates will provide final confirmation of this amount. The 2020 allocation was €39m, a 3% increase relative to 2019.

Of this, it is expected that some €9.9 million will be provided to the Dublin area in 2021, consistent with the amount provided in 2020. The funding is allocated to each area using a methodology that takes account of levels of deprivation, helping to ensure that vital supports are provided to those individuals and communities most in need.

I recognise the vital work the programme does in helping so many individuals by improving the life chances of those who are marginalised in society, living in poverty or unemployed, and I will continue to prioritise funding for SICAP within my Department’s overall voted expenditure.

Flexible Work Practices

Questions (27)

Richard Bruton

Question:

27. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has assessed the scope for replicating the Ludgate Centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33395/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen, and a number of other excellent innovation and incubator hubs across the country, have been exemplars in demonstrating how well-purposed remote working facilities can breathe new life in to rural areas.

Remote working can help to retain talented people in rural communities, encourage mobile workers to move to the regions, provide increased trade for local businesses, and revitalise our rural towns.

Over the last number of years, my Department has invested significantly in remote working facilities through programmes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Libraries programme.

My Department is also working with a number of partners to roll out and develop a network of approximately 300 Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) across the State. BCPs will be established in remote and isolated areas, including our off-shore islands, and many will provide remote working facilities in their communities.

My Department has also been working with the Western Development Commission to build an integrated network of remote working hubs along the Atlantic Economic Corridor, from Kerry to Donegal. The WDC has identified and mapped more than 100 remote working hubs which serve that region. The approach adopted by the WDC is to be extended to other parts of the country, as a national initiative which is being overseen by my Department.

Under Budget 2021, my Department has been allocated an additional €5 million to further support and develop hubs across the country, including BCPs and the Hub Network. As part of this work, my officials have engaged with the Ludgate Hub to explore possible avenues for co-operation and assistance.

Flexible Work Practices

Questions (28, 29, 353, 354)

Joe Carey

Question:

28. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the work her Department is undertaking to capitalise on the opportunities presented by remote and blended working for rural development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33652/20]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

29. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps she plans to take to promote and support remote working and flexible working; her views on the benefits for rural communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33688/20]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

353. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the ongoing work by her Department to support remote working initiatives; her views on the benefits of remote working for balanced regional development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34457/20]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

354. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department has supported or expects to further develop remote working initiatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34458/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 29, 353 and 354 together.

The increased shift to remote work in the last six months by many employers and employees has highlighted the possibilities for remote working facilities to contribute to a greater regional distribution of jobs and to support a better quality of life for many people who previously spent long hours commuting.

Remote working can help to retain talented people in rural communities, encourage mobile workers to move to the regions, provide increased trade for local businesses, and revitalise our rural towns.

Over the last number of years, my Department has invested significantly in remote working facilities through programmes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Libraries programme.

My Department has also been working with the Western Development Commission to build an integrated network of remote working hubs along the Atlantic Economic Corridor, from Kerry to Donegal. The WDC has identified and mapped more than 100 remote working hubs which serve that region. The WDC's objective is to develop these hubs into a cohesive network of facilities for remote workers, students and for community use. The approach adopted by the WDC is to be extended to other parts of the country, as a national initiative which is being overseen by my Department.

My Department is also working with a number of partners to roll out and develop a network of approximately 300 Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) across the State, many of which will provide remote working facilities in their communities. These BCPs are also being mapped as part of the WDC’s work.

An additional €5 million has also been allocated to my Department in Budget 2021 to support the development of the national hubs network, as well as to upgrade existing facilities throughout the country.

Town and Village Renewal Scheme

Questions (30)

Barry Cowen

Question:

30. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding provided for the town and village renewal scheme since July 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34085/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

This year's Town and Village Renewal Scheme was adapted to assist towns and villages to respond to the impact of COVID-19. In addition to the standard strand of the scheme, the scheme also included an Accelerated Measure to fund smaller scale projects that could be delivered immediately to assist towns and villages in adapting to COVID-19.

The 2020 Scheme has a budget of €25 million this year, following the allocation of an additional €10 million to the scheme as part of the Government’s July Stimulus Package.

Since July, I have approved funding of €10.4 million to 363 projects under three funding rounds of the Accelerated Measure.

The Standard Measure of the Town & Village Renewal Scheme, which has a budget of €15 million, will focus on supporting towns and villages to recover from the impact of COVID-19 in the medium-term. Applications under this Measure are currently being assessed and the successful projects will be announced when that process is complete.

The following table summarises the funding provided under each of the three rounds of the Accelerated Measure:

Accelerated Measure Round	Number of Projects supported	Amount of funding approved
Accelerated Measure - Round 1	106	€2,799,652
Accelerated Measure - Round 2	120	€3,328,536
Accelerated Measure - Round 3	99	€2,761,018
Accelerated Measure - Round 3 – Large Towns with population above 10,000 people	38	€1,501,404
Total	363	€10,390,610

Housing Regeneration

Questions (31)

Holly Cairns

Question:

31. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of funding to develop master plans to revitalise town centres and encourage more persons to live in town centres announced in budget 2021 including the timelines for roll-outs and the means by which areas will be prioritised. [34170/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

In October 2018, my Department launched a Town Centre Living Initiative to explore in a holistic way how to encourage increased residential occupancy in rural towns and villages. The pilot focused on 6 towns with different characteristics in different parts of the country.

An independent report on the pilot Town Centre Living Initiative was published on 22nd June 2020. The report outlines the approach taken by each town under the pilot and sets out the key issues identified to encourage increased town centre living and the repurposing of vacant properties for residential purposes.

The report, which is available on the Gov.ie website, highlights the multiplicity of factors that need to be addressed to encourage town centre living. These issues cut across a number of Government Departments and agencies.

The report also highlights the importance of Local Authorities consulting with local communities and property owners on town centre development proposals and the value of developing a shared vision or master plan for the town.

In this context, I have secured €2 million extra in Budget 2021 to support up to 50 towns to develop master plans of this nature. My Department is currently formulating the operational details of this initiative and full details will be announced in the New Year.

Rural Recreation Policy

Questions (32)

Ciaran Cannon

Question:

32. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the work being carried out by her Department to support investment in outdoor recreation amenities such as greenways, cycleways and walking trails; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34160/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

My Department supports the development of outdoor recreation amenities through a suite of programmes such as the Walks Scheme and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund has also supported a number of significant outdoor recreation amenities.

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development and/or enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as cycleways, walking trails, blueways and mountain access routes in rural areas. Since 2016, my Department has invested €52 million in 747 projects under this scheme.

The 2020 scheme was launched on the 29th May last and is funded by my Department in partnership with Fáilte Ireland. The 2020 scheme has an Exchequer budget of €10 million.

My Department also administers the Walks Scheme under which landholders receive modest payments for maintenance works on approved trails in line with agreed work plans. There are currently 39 trails included in the Walks Scheme and, in December last, it was announced that 10 new trails will be added as part of a phased expansion of the scheme. Work Plans are currently being finalised with the landowners on these trails so that they can be formally included under the scheme.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to expand the Walks Scheme to achieve a target of 80 trails. A decision in respect of further trails to be added to the scheme will be taken following the completion of an external review of the Walks Scheme which is currently in train.

Funding may also be available for outdoor recreation amenities through my Department’s LEADER Programme. Interested applicants should, in the first instance, contact the relevant LEADER Local Action Group to discuss the eligibility of specific projects and the funding that may be available. Details of all Local Action Groups are on the Gov.ie website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c45498-local-action-groups .

Details of projects funded under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/7be140-test/.

Question No. 33 answered with Question No. 23.

Town and Village Renewal Scheme

Questions (34)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

34. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the initiatives she is taking to support town and village renewal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34096/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

My Department's Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and Town and Village Renewal Scheme are both key initiatives that support town and village renewal.

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund was established as part of Project Ireland 2040 and the associated National Development Plan. Project Ireland 2040 committed to a €1 billion fund over the period 2019-2027, with €320 million of this is to be provided over the period to 2022.

A total of 139 projects have been approved for funding of €166 million under the Fund to date.

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme has been in operation since 2016. Since then, almost 1,200 projects have been approved for over €78 million in grant funding to support the rejuvenation of small towns and villages throughout the country.

This year’s scheme was tailored to focus on initiatives that could support towns and villages in responding to the challenges presented by COVID-19. To date in 2020, I have announced funding of €10.4 million for 363 projects under the Accelerated Measure of this year's Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Applications under the Standard Measure of the Town & Village Renewal Scheme, which has a budget of €15 million, are currently being assessed and the successful projects will be announced when that process is complete.

Together with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, I have also established an Inter-Departmental Group to progress the commitment in the Programme for Government to develop a Town Centre First Policy and to review the suggested actions in the report on the Town Centre Living Initiative which was published in June. The first meeting of this group is scheduled to take place next week and the Group has been tasked with bringing forward recommendations to Government as its work progresses.

LEADER Programmes

Questions (35)

Holly Cairns

Question:

35. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the LEADER programme and the transitional arrangements from this programme cycle to the next. [34172/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The current 2014-2020 LEADER programme will come to an end this year. Under the seven-year programme, €168.7 million was allocated to the Local Action Groups (LAGs) who deliver the programme at local level, for project approvals up to 31st December 2020.

As of 1st November, 3,530 projects with a value of over €139 million have been approved for LEADER funding by the LAGs. A further 341 projects requesting over €21 million in funding are at various stages in the approval process.

As the Deputy may be aware, due to delays at EU level, the next EU LEADER programme will not commence until 2022 at the earliest. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to prioritise a State-led programme to bridge the gap between the current LEADER programme and the next EU programme. The objective of this Transitional Programme is to allow locally-led rural development projects to continue to be delivered using the LEADER model until the new EU programme commences.

An extra €4 million has been provided for LEADER in Budget 2021, to bring the total allocation for next year to €44 million. I can confirm that this allocation will be used to fund a combination of existing projects as they come to completion, as well as for new projects to be approved under the Transitional Programme and to support the administration costs of Local Action Groups in closing out the existing programme and delivering the Transitional Programme.

I hope to be in a position shortly to announce the details of the Transitional LEADER Programme which will come into effect in 2021.

Programme for Government

Questions (36, 44)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

36. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the islands action plan will be published as per the commitment in the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34164/20]

Catherine Connolly

Question:

44. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the national policy for the islands; when the islands action plan as promised in the programme for Government will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34147/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 44 together.

Prior to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic my Department had been engaged in a process of consultation with island communities in relation to the development of a new Islands Policy. This consultation was carried out through public meetings on the islands.

The consultation process had to be temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and to avoid health risks for the island communities.

My Department has been liaising with the representatives of the island communities who have not yet had the opportunity to contribute directly to the consultation process, to enable them to make an input on behalf of their communities. In the current circumstances, this will be done remotely.

These on-line engagements will commence next week, with the first one scheduled for November 10th. My Department will also consult other stakeholders through the same mechanism.

Following these final consultations, work will proceed on the drafting of the new policy which will be supported by an Action Plan to implement the policy.

LEADER Programmes

Questions (37, 52)

Brendan Smith

Question:

37. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if specific funding will be provided for new projects under the LEADER programme in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34154/20]

Seán Sherlock

Question:

52. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the LEADER programme will provide for new applications in 2021. [34149/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 52 together.

The current LEADER programme comes to an end this year as far as new project approvals are concerned. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to prioritise a State-led programme to bridge the gap between the current LEADER programme and the next EU programme, which will not commence until 2022 at the earliest due to delays at EU level.

The objective of the Transitional Programme is to allow locally-led rural development projects to continue to be delivered using the LEADER model until the new EU programme commences.

An extra €4 million has been provided for LEADER in Budget 2021, bringing the total allocation for next year to €44 million. I can confirm that this allocation will be used to fund a combination of existing projects as they come to completion, and for new projects to be approved under the Transitional Programme. It was also provide for the administration costs of Local Action Groups in closing out the existing programme and delivering the Transitional Programme.

The details of the Transitional Programme are currently being finalized and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement shortly, outlining the details of the programme which will come into effect in 2021.

Town and Village Renewal Scheme

Questions (38)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

38. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the commitment to expand the town and village renewal scheme to bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use and promote residential occupancy as outlined in the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34146/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The Programme for Government includes a commitment for an expanded Town and Village Renewal Scheme to bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use and promote residential occupancy.

In October 2018, my Department launched a Town Centre Living Initiative to explore in a holistic way how to encourage increased residential occupancy in rural towns and villages. The pilot focused on 6 towns with different characteristics in different parts of the country.

An independent report on the pilot Town Centre Living Initiative was published on 22nd June 2020. The report outlines the approach taken by each town and identifies the key issues required to encourage increased town centre living and the repurposing of vacant properties for residential purposes.

The report also highlighted the value of developing a shared vision or masterplan for individual towns if they are to be attractive places in which to live. In that regard, I have secured an additional €2 million in Budget 2021 as part of the expanded Town and Village Renewal Scheme which will be used to support the development of these plans.

An Inter-Departmental Group has also been established which will consider all of the suggested actions in the report on the Town Centre Living initiative, as well as progressing the commitment in the Programme for Government to develop a Town Centre First approach to the regeneration of our towns and villages. The Group, which will hold its first meeting next week, will be chaired jointly by my Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

National Broadband Plan

Questions (39)

Pa Daly

Question:

39. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the differing technological capabilities of broadband connection points compared to the service areas will eventually receive under the national broadband plan. [34159/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The Broadband Connection Points (BCP) initiative is a collaborative effort involving my Department, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Local Authorities, National Broadband Ireland (NBI), Vodafone Ireland and the owners and managers of the host sites.

BCPs will be among the first premises connected under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) and will receive high-speed broadband via a temporary wireless solution. This solution will provide approximately 150mbps download speeds and will remain in place until the premises is connected with a permanent fibre solution under the NBP.

BCPs will also be provided with high specification switches (control boxes) and wifi access points under the contract that my Department has with Vodafone Ireland. Vodafone will also support the further development of the BCP network. The equipment supplied by Vodafone will allow for superfast wifi use and, in several cases, for networked PCs and other wired equipment such as digital whiteboards.

NBI, the company contracted to deliver the National Broadband Plan, recently announced that the standard speeds available at premises connected to the NBP fibre network will be 500mbps, a substantial increase from the previously agreed 150mbps.

While the temporary wireless solution in place at BCPs will not allow for 500mbps speeds, my officials have been assured that BCPs, as with other premises, will be provided with 500mbps speeds on connection to the NBP fibre network. At that stage, the wireless infrastructure will be removed and the customer premises equipment will be switched over immediately, ensuring continuity of service to the site and to the community it serves.

Programme for Government

Questions (40)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

40. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the new rural policy promised in the programme for Government which is planned to build on the Action Plan for Rural Development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34148/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The Programme for Government committed to publishing and implementing a new Rural Policy to build on the progress of the Action Plan for Rural Development and to promote rural recovery and development in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. My Department is currently finalising this new policy, which will have a five year horizon.

The new policy will be forward-looking and ambitious. It will seek to strengthen and build resilience in our rural economies and communities and will identify policy measures for delivery in order to achieve these objectives.

The new policy will recognise that strong rural economies and communities are vital in supporting our national recovery and enhancing our nationwide wellbeing. It will also emphasise the interdependence between urban and rural areas in this regard. As was the case with the Action Plan for Rural Development, the new policy will reflect a whole-of-Government commitment to rural Ireland.

The process of developing the policy has included a wide range of consultation events with key stakeholders, including Government Departments, State agencies, rural stakeholder groups, young people, and the wider public. The insights and views captured through this extensive consultation process have helped to identify the issues that matter to people living and working in rural Ireland.

Over the past months, my Department has held a series of further discussions with key stakeholders to explore the short and longer-term impacts of COVID-19 on rural communities and economies and identify actions required to assist rural areas to recover from COVID-19. I hosted a public webinar on the topic on 24th September.

The inputs from these consultations are being factored in to the drafting of the policy and I anticipate that the final policy will be submitted to Government for approval in the near future, prior to its publication.

National Broadband Plan

Questions (41)

Denis Naughten

Question:

41. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the 300 high-speed internet hubs announced under the national broadband plan on 19 November 2019 will be delivered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33300/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) will be among the first sites connected under the National Broadband Plan and represent a collaboration between my Department, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Local Authorities and the communities that will host BCP services.

National Broadband Ireland, the company contracted to deliver the National Broadband Plan, will deliver the initial connectivity, followed by Vodafone Ireland, who will install and support the wifi access points at the BCPs.

At present, there are over 200 public access BCP sites scheduled for connection before the end of 2020 in addition to 75 school BCPs. Up to 100 further sites are expected to be connected in early 2021.

As of Friday 23rd October, 68 public access BCPs had been installed with wifi equipment, with new sites being added every day.

By the end of the connection phase of the project, there will be BCPs in every county in Ireland, many offering opportunities for connected working, access to eHealth services and a number of educational and training programmes.

CLÁR Programme

Questions (42)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

42. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans for CLÁR funding for group water and sewage schemes in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34081/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The CLÁR programme provides funding for small scale projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. No funding was available for new applications under the programme between 2010 and 2016 due to constraints on the public finances.

Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a range of different Measures including:

- Safety Works around Schools and Community Facilities

- Outdoor Play Facilities

- Local Access Roads

- First Responders Support

- Support for Mobility and Cancer Care Transport

- Community Recreation Areas

- Meals on Wheels and Linked Services.

In 2020, the programme placed a particular focus on supporting CLÁR communities to deal with the impact of COVID-19 in their areas.

At present, I have no plans to include group water or group sewage schemes in the programme.

A review of the CLÁR programme is currently underway and this review will examine a number of issues which will inform the future direction of the programme. This review will also help to determine the most appropriate measures to be included in CLÁR programmes in the future.

LEADER Programmes

Questions (43)

Denis Naughten

Question:

43. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has explored the role that LEADER companies can play in supporting small rural business to overcome the challenges posed by Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33301/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The LEADER programme is delivered through 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) across rural Ireland. The programme includes a specific funding strand to support Rural Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the LAGs, in conjunction with Local Development Companies who act as Implementing Partners in most areas, have approved over 900 projects across a range of LEADER Themes.

The total value of these projects is in excess of €40 million, €8 million of which was approved under the Enterprise and Economic Development theme. The type of monetary supports provided include direct capital for construction and purchase of equipment, analysis and development type projects, and marketing and training projects.

These projects will bring much needed assistance to small businesses at this time, as well as supporting job retention and new employment opportunities.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has also introduced a range of supports to businesses of all sizes to help them to cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy. I would encourage all businesses to consider availing of these supports. Full details are available on the Gov.ie website.

Question No. 44 answered with Question No. 36.

Town and Village Renewal Scheme

Questions (45)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

45. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if towns or villages located within Dublin City Council can avail of the town and village renewal scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34157/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme forms part of a range of measures to support rural Ireland under my Department's Rural Regeneration Investment Programme.

The scheme, which is administered by the Local Authorities on behalf of my Department, is targeted at the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000 people.

This year’s scheme has been tailored to focus on interventions that can support the economic and social recovery of our towns and villages, and assist them in responding to the challenges presented by COVID-19.

In the Dublin area, the scheme supports towns and villages in the rural parts of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Fingal and South County Dublin Co. Coouncils. Examples of towns in rural areas in Co. Dublin which have benefited from funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme include The Naul, Loughshinny, Rathcoole and Balrothery.

As the focus of the Scheme is on the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000 people, I have no plans at this stage to extend the scheme to include the Dublin City Council area.

Flexible Work Practices

Questions (46)

James Lawless

Question:

46. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures she is taking to support broadband connection points and digital hubs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34091/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote working has proven its value in maintaining economic activity and in the provision of many public services.

Building on the experience of the last few months, I believe that a structured approach to the provision of remote working facilities can be transformational for rural Ireland. Remote working can help to retain talented people in rural communities, encourage mobile workers to move to the regions, provide increased trade for local businesses, and revitalise our rural towns.

My Department has been working with the Western Development Commission to develop an integrated network of remote working hubs along the Atlantic Economic Corridor, from Kerry to Donegal. The WDC has identified and mapped more than 100 remote working hubs which serve that region. The approach to building this network, with shared back-office services, will serve as a model which can be replicated in other parts of the country.

In addition, since 2016 my Department has been working on the Broadband Connection Points (BCP) initiative, which is now rolling out country wide. 200 Broadband Connection Points will be connected before the end of this year, providing communities with free high-speed internet access. Up to 100 further BCPs will be connected in 2021. Many BCPs have the potential to provide remote working facilities in some of our most remote rural communities.

An additional €5 million has been allocated under Budget 2021 for investment in digital hubs through my Department's Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This additional funding will be used to develop a national network of remote working hubs based on the AEC model, as well as upgrading existing facilities and BCPs throughout the country.

My Department also invests significantly in remote working facilities through programmes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Libraries programme.

Public Participation Networks

Questions (47)

Holly Cairns

Question:

47. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way in which public participation networks and local community development committees will be supported in the next year in the context of Covid-19. [34171/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development

My Department will continue to provide direct funding to Public Participation Networks (PPNs) in 2021. This annual funding of €2.45m supports the ongoing development of the network of all 31 PPNs nationally, as well as the work of the national PPN Advisory Group. The Department will also continue to fund and advance a number of important initiatives to promote and support PPNs’ development including an online training programme, IT support, and community wellbeing consultations. A new PPN Handbook is currently being finalised and will be circulated to all PPNs shortly. Tenders are also being sought for a structural review of PPNs and the roll-out of a PPN Communications Strategy.

Following the Covid-19 outbreak, my Department has liaised with all PPNs in relation to their business continuity planning and has provided a range of practical advice on how best to continue their operations and benefit their member groups during this challenging period. PPNs were also one of the key stakeholders of the Community Call initiative and a review of their experiences has been collated by my Department.

My Department also has a general oversight and support role with regard to the LCDCs and will continue to fulfil this role in 2021. Supports provided include ongoing financial support to local authorities to support the community function in local authorities including the work of LCDCs. This funding amounts to €1.845 million a year.

Staff in the Community Policy Unit of my Department engage on an ongoing basis with the LCDC Chief Officers. This includes engagement with a network of regional groupings that meet on a regular basis. Community Policy Unit staff attend these meetings and update the Chief Officers on all aspects of the work of the Department that are relevant to the work of the LCDC.

Finally, the LCDC Review was published in 2019. My Department continues to progress all objectives and recommendations of the Review to ensure that LCDCs can be supported to address key priorities in the implementation of policy and/or the delivery of services at local level. In addition, the guidelines for the operation of LCDCs will be reviewed as part of the LCDC review commitments.

Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 22.

Climate Change Policy

Questions (49)

Richard Bruton

Question:

49. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has assessed the opportunities for rural development of a switch to a more climate resilient agriculture. [33396/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

As the Deputy will be aware, policy responsibility for the Agriculture sector is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

However, both primary production and the food processing sector play a vital role in supporting rural economies and rural communities. The Agri-food sector is Ireland’s most important indigenous exporting industry, playing a vital role in the economy, especially in rural and coastal areas.

Reducing emissions is a critical element in addressing the global challenge of climate change, but the process of building resilience in the Agriculture sector and adapting to the changes we expect to see in our climate are equally important. I believe there are opportunities for rural businesses and communities in this process.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine is continuing to focus on the sustainable development of the Agriculture sector, while ensuring the maintenance of viable farm incomes. The role of research and innovation is also becoming more critical to the future of the sector. I understand that the Department of Agriculture is continuing to invest heavily in this area and is committed to supporting diversification of activity at farm level and in the wider rural economy.

All of this can help to realise new opportunities for the development of rural areas in the years to come, including in emerging sectors such as the Bioeconomy.

CLÁR Programme

Questions (50)

Joe Carey

Question:

50. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she expects to announce successful projects under the 2020 CLÁR programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33651/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The 2020 CLÁR programme was launched in May 2020 with applications invited under three separate Measures:

Measure1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures

Measure 2: Community Recreation Areas (new for 2020)

Measure 3: Community Wellbeing Support

(a) Meals on Wheels and linked services (new in 2020)

(b) Mobility and Cancer Care Transport,

I announced the successful projects under Measures 1 and 2 of the programme on 2nd November .

€4.1 million has been allocated to 115 projects under these Measures. Details of the successful projects are available on my Department's pages on the Gov.ie website.

Successful projects under Measure 3 of the 2020 CLÁR programme will be announced shortly, following the assessment of the applications received.

Flexible Work Practices

Questions (51)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

51. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of the 275 publicly-accessible broadband connection points promised by the end of 2020 that are now live by county; the number of these that are on offshore islands; when the outstanding points will be connected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34144/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) will be among the first sites connected under the National Broadband Plan. At present, there are over 200 public access BCP sites scheduled for connection in 2020, in addition to 75 school BCPs. Up to 100 further sites are planned for connection in 2021.

BCPs will be located in some of the most rural and isolated areas in the country, including 10 islands in counties Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry and Mayo. The sites will be provided with a high-speed broadband service (minimum 150mbps) for the community to use on site.

Initial connectivity is provided via a temporary wireless solution at each site by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company contracted to deliver the National Broadband Plan. Once this equipment has been installed, Vodafone Ireland install Wi-Fi access points and other customer premises equipment.

As of Friday 23rd October, 68 public access BCPs across the country had been installed with Wi-Fi equipment, with new sites being added every day. The table below details the number of installed sites by county. Full details of the BCP locations, both installed and planned, including on the islands, can also be found on NBI's website at https://nbi.ie/bcp-map/ .

Once the build phase of the BCP project has completed, officials at my Department will work with the Local Authorities, site owners and a number of other stakeholders to develop the BCP network. I envisage the network to mature over the coming years, providing a range of digitally enabled services including eHealth initiatives, training and education, and connected working.

County	Public Access BCPs Installed, 23 Oct. 2020
Carlow	3
Cavan	1
Clare	3
Cork	6
Donegal	6
Dublin (Fingal)	2
Dublin (SDCC)	1
Kerry	2
Kildare	1
Kilkenny	2
Laois	3
Leitrim	1
Limerick	1
Longford	2
Louth	6
Mayo	4
Meath	5
Monaghan	3
Offaly	4
Roscommon	3
Tipperary	3
Waterford	2
Wicklow	4

Question No. 52 answered with Question No. 37.

LEADER Programmes

Questions (53)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

53. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to provide funding in 2021 for the administrative costs of LAGs administering the LEADER programme on the ground and for projects approved up to 31 December 2020; if funding will also be approved for a new temporary rural development programme similar to LEADER for 2021 until a new Leader programme is approved and operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33587/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

As the Deputy will be aware, the 2014-2020 LEADER programme will end this year as far as project approval are concerned. Due to delays at EU level, the next EU LEADER programme will not commence until 2022 at the earliest.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to prioritise a State-led programme to bridge the gap between the current LEADER programme and the next EU programme. The objective of this Transitional Programme is to allow locally-led rural development projects to continue to be delivered using the LEADER model until the new EU programme commences.

The duration of the transitional period at EU level has not yet been agreed. We are therefore planning for Ireland’s Transitional Programme to run for an initial period of 12 months, but with the scope to extend this if necessary, to align with the outcome of the discussions at EU level between the Commission and the Parliament.

The total allocation for LEADER next year is €44 million. This allocation will be used to fund existing projects as they come to completion and submit payment claims. It will also fund new projects to be approved under the Transitional Programme, and it will support the administration costs of the LAGs in closing out the existing programme and delivering the Transitional Programme.

It is important to recognise that LEADER is a multi-annual programme and that payments in respect of projects which are approved in any given year are generally not drawn down until subsequent years, as projects are completed and submit payment claims. Therefore, costs related to projects under the Transitional Programme are likely to be met from the provision in my Department’s Vote in 2022 and 2023, as well as in 2021.

The details of the Transitional Programme are currently being finalized and I hope to be in a position shortly to announce the full details of project and administration allocations under the Programme.

CLÁR Programme

Questions (54)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

54. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if CLÁR funding is to be made available for tertiary roads; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34082/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The CLÁR programme provides funding for small scale projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. No funding was available for new applications under the programme between 2010 and 2016 due to constraints on the public finances.

Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a range of different measures including outdoor play facilities and support for mobility and cancer care transport. While a small amount of funding under the scheme was used for local access roads in 2016, my Department has since relaunched the Local Improvement Scheme which is providing funding of €10 million in 2020 for non-public roads.

I therefore have no plans to use CLÁR funding for road works. Public tertiary roads come under the remit of the Local Authorities.

This year, the CLÁR programme has placed a particular focus on supporting CLÁR communities to deal with the impact of COVID-19 in their areas.

On 2nd November, I announced that €4.1 million had been allocated to support 115 projects involving the provision of safety measures around schools and community facilities, as well as the development of community recreation areas. Further announcements will be made shortly in relation to community wellbeing supports under CLÁR, including for Meals on Wheels and linked services, and Mobility and Cancer Care Transport.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (55)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

55. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps she is taking to ensure the spend of all the capital allocation to her Department for 2020 in view of the low capital spend to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33588/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The Revised Estimates 2020 sets out a gross capital expenditure of €168.6 million in respect of my Department. This includes a total of €18.6 million in capital funding on foot of Government’s capital stimulus package in July and the transfer of Island functions to my Department.

€81.2 million in capital expenditure has been spent to the end of October. As has been the case in previous years, capital expenditure accelerates towards year end and over a third of our capital spend was profiled for November and December at the start of the year. This acceleration is already evident with capital expenditure of almost €24 million in October, the highest monthly capital expenditure to date. I expect this trend to continue in the coming weeks.

With regard to ensuring the most effective use of the capital allocation, we have been proactive in supporting project delivery in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, for example reducing the match contribution required for Town and Village projects and tailoring the LEADER claims process to remote working situations.

My officials continue to closely monitor expenditure patterns, and to stay in close contact with local authorities on the progress of projects and planned spend. I have recently re-allocated €5 million from the €88 million Rural Regeneration and Development allocation to LEADER, due to the level of demand under the LEADER Programme. I will consider other necessary re-allocations of capital funding should the need arise.

Rural Development Plan

Questions (56)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

56. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to bring forward a new rural development strategy as a successor to the Action Plan for Rural Development 2017-2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33689/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The Programme for Government committed to publishing and implementing a new Rural Policy to build on the progress of the Action Plan for Rural Development and to promote rural recovery and development in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. My Department is currently finalising this new policy, which will have a five year horizon.

The new policy will be forward-looking and ambitious. It will seek to strengthen and build resilience in our rural economies and communities and will identify policy measures for delivery in order to achieve these objectives.

The new policy will recognise that strong rural economies and communities are vital in supporting our national recovery and enhancing our nationwide wellbeing. It will also emphasise the interdependence between urban and rural areas in this regard. As was the case with the Action Plan for Rural Development, the new policy will reflect a whole-of-Government commitment to rural Ireland.

The process of developing the policy has included a wide range of consultation events with key stakeholders, including Government Departments, State agencies, rural stakeholder groups, young people, and the wider public. The insights and views captured through this extensive consultation process have helped to identify the issues that matter to people living and working in rural Ireland.

Over the past months, my Department has held a series of further discussions with key stakeholders to explore the short and longer-term impacts of COVID-19 on rural communities and economies and identify actions required to assist rural areas to recover from COVID-19. I hosted a public webinar on the topic on 24th September.

The inputs from these consultations are being factored in to the drafting of the policy and I anticipate that the final policy will be submitted to Government for approval in the near future, prior to its publication.

Harbours and Piers

Questions (57)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

57. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the development of Inis Oírr pier will commence soon; and the timeline for same. [34023/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

A business case for the development of the Inis Oírr pier is currently being finalised by Galway Co. Council. An Oversight Committee, consisting of officials from the Department of Rural and Community Development, Galway County Council and the Consulting Engineers, is also finalising the projected timeline for work on the project.

Once this business case has been completed and the necessary approvals are received at Departmental level and from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the project will be in a position to proceed to tender stage.

Rural Development Plan

Questions (58)

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

58. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to bring forward a new rural development policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34025/20]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The Programme for Government committed to publishing and implementing a new Rural Policy to build on the progress of the Action Plan for Rural Development and to promote rural recovery and development in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. My Department is currently finalising this new policy, which will have a five year horizon.

The new policy will be forward-looking and ambitious. It will seek to strengthen and build resilience in our rural economies and communities and will identify policy measures for delivery in order to achieve these objectives.

The new policy will recognise that strong rural economies and communities are vital in supporting our national recovery and enhancing our nationwide wellbeing. It will also emphasise the interdependence between urban and rural areas in this regard. As was the case with the Action Plan for Rural Development, the new policy will reflect a whole-of-Government commitment to rural Ireland.

The process of developing the policy has included a wide range of consultation events with key stakeholders, including Government Departments, State agencies, rural stakeholder groups, young people, and the wider public. The insights and views captured through this extensive consultation process have helped to identify the issues that matter to people living and working in rural Ireland.

Over the past months, my Department has held a series of further discussions with key stakeholders to explore the short and longer-term impacts of COVID-19 on rural communities and economies and identify actions required to assist rural areas to recover from COVID-19. I hosted a public webinar on the topic on 24th September.

The inputs from these consultations are being factored in to the drafting of the policy and I anticipate that the final policy will be submitted to Government for approval in the near future, prior to its publication.